Aji Criolla Sella Chilli Seeds

Aji Criolla Sella Chilli Seeds. The Aji Criolla Sella (C. Baccatum) originates from Bolivia. This is a really stunning cultivar that is an easy germinator and grower. Good for first time growers to try.

Plants are suitable for soil as well as container growing. Plants will reach a height of around 50-60cm. In our experience, plant growth was quite vertical with a very generous yield of pods throughout the season. Plant growth is rapid, though as is the case with many C. Baccatum, the pods can take a while to ripen. Having said this, this cultivar does appear to be tollerant of cooler temps and will happily produce more flushes through the cooler months of autumn.

Pods ripen from a green to orange when fully ripe. Pendant shaped pods that taper both ends and have a very distinct point at the blossom end. Once ripe, pods are crisp and juicy. Aroma and flavour are very much citrus and typical Baccatum – crisp and freshness. Heat is around 20,000 – 25,000 SHU with a really pleasant all round burn.

The colour of these very attractive pods is really the key. Great to add a splash of colour to food and probably best suited to making a super bright orange chilli powder. Pods dry beautifully in the sun and really lend themselves to drying. In our opinion, the true flavour of these pods ripen when they are over ripe and soft to the touch. Flavours of mango/persimmon and possibly star fruit in there somewhere. To be honest, we were not too blown away with the fresh pods, but the over ripe pods yielded so much more flavour. So our advice would be to let these pods really ripen.